Mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels.



No. 8214,198. PATBNTED MAR. 6, 1906.

C. W. FULTN. MOUNTING 0R SUSPENSIGNTOR VEHICLE WHEELS.

APPLIGATIGH rum mm-z 1a, 1905.

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W'f'n @Am ens In Vc nier,

Y Ne. 814,198i l PATBNTED MAR. 6, 1906.

C. W. FULTON.

MUUNTING 0R SUSPENSION FOR VEHGL WHEELS.

Prummel rILBD nmz: 1s, ma.

3 EERSTE-SHEET 3.

UN ITED STATES CHARLES WVM. FULTON.

PATEN T OFFICE.

0F PAlSLEY, SCOTLAND.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 6, ISUG.

Application filed June 16,1905. Serial No. 265,555.

To 11i/J. whont t may concern.'

Be it known. that I, CHARLES WILLIAM FULTON, a subject of the Kinr of Great Britain, residing at Paisley, Scot and, have invented a certain new and useful Mountin or Suspension for Vehicle-Vlheels, of whic the following is a specification.

Thisv invention relates to the mounting or suspension of vehicle-wheels, and more particularly applicable to motor-cars and similar vehicles.

According to this invention the roadwheels are mounted on a rigid axle extend# ing across the vehicle and suspended by one or more springs from a second axle or its equivalent. between which and the body of the vehicle are interposed elliptic or other springs, and the two sets of springs are so constructed that they do not synchronize in their movements. This nonwsynchronizing effect is of such a nature that when one of the road-wheels passes over an obstruction the periods of vibration of the two springs or sets of springs cross each other to such an extent that the parts quickly but gradually come to rest without causinfy any inconvenient shock or jolting to the bod) Y of the vehicle. r

kThe springs between the wheel-axle and the supporting axle are coil-springs and are preferably arranged in tpairs, and the springs between the supportlng-axle and the body ofthe vehicle are preferably elli tic or C sprin s and are arranged longitudine ly of the vehicle eccentric to its longitudinal axis. The elliptic or C springs may be attached to the supporting-axle in any known manner, and the ends of this axle are preferably bent upward and carry at their ends a bar or plate havin Acups,` sockets, or the like, against or Wit 'n which rest one of the ends of the coil -springs The wheel-supportin axle may be straight, but is preferably or inclined at the part extending across the vehicle,land at a point directly below the spring-supportin bars or thevhke on the supporting-axle t ere is rigidly or pivotally attached a plate or support having cups or sockets for the` rece tion of the other ends of the coil-springs. T Ve end strain and also the side strainY ina betaken by guides or radiusrods connecte to either or both axles. One radius-"rod,l may serveA to support iboth axles at eachsidebofthe ,vehicle by pivotally attachingtlie rod to 'one' ofthe axles and providing itwith a forked end or guide within When which the other axle is free to move.

ipped helical or coiled sprin s are employed ben tween the two axles an elliptic or C springs between the supportingnxle and the vehicle, it has been Jfound convenient to so construct the springs that for every five beats of the helical springs the elliptic spring performs one boat. Other forms of springs may, however, be used without departing from the invention, so long as the' nonsynchronizing effect above referred to is produced.

Referring to the drawings, Figure l is a front elevation, and Fig. 2 an end view, of the preferred form of wheel suspension constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the arrangement of suspension shown in Figs 1 and 22, the springs being removed. Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the arrangement shown in Figs. l and 2. Fig. 5 is a plan of Fig. 1, showing the upper end of the suspensionvthat is to say, the part carried by the upper axle. Fig. 6 is a plan of the art of the suspension carried by the lower axlie and Fig. 7 is an elevation showing the end of the lower axle and a preferred arrangement of guides and tie-rods or stays.

Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawinvs. A is theilower or wheel-carryin axle. B is the upper axle. C represents t e springs between the axles, and D represents the springs between the upper axle and the body of the vehicle.

The axle A extends across beneath the vehicle-body and has at each end a part a, which acts as a bearing for the road-wheels. The axle, which is preferabiy rectangular in cross-section, except at the parts a., upon Which the wheels rotate may he straight; but preferably it has at each end an upwardlybent portion A', as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 7, from theupper end of which the parts a extend. Conveniently the axle A 1s so bentthat the part c is ap roximately in line with the axle VB, so that w eels of the proper diameter can be accommodated without raising the vehicle appreciably higher than if the one cross-axle were employed.

in line (when viewed from either end of the vehicle) with the u wardly-bent portion A', is attached a bracliet or support E, upon which one or more springs, disposed between the axles A and B, rest. The support E comprises a base-piece E, which encircles the ICO On each end of the axle A, and preferably IIO lower side of the axle A and has arms carrying sockets E. In the present example two coil-springs C are disposed between the axles, and their lower ends rest against the base E of the brackets E, the sockets E2 of which extend within the springs C. Although two coilsprings are shown, the springs may be of other a propriate form.

To t e ends of the upper axle B, which is also preferably rectan ular in cross-section, are attached brackets which are conveniently secured to the axle by bolts and nutstf. (See Fig. 3.) These brackets have arms against which the upper ends of the springs C bear, and sockets F2, which extend within the coil-springs.

Passin through bosses E2 and F2 of the bracketsgE and F, respectivel are bolts or rods G, which act as guides or the springs and also prevent relative lateral movement of the brackets. At the lower ends the rods G have heads G', and at their upper ends adjustable nuts G2, between which and the arms F of the brackets F are disposed cushioningsprings G". The lower ends of the s rings G3 bear against the bracket F and tiie u per ends against rings or washers G4, whic in turn bear against the nuts G2.

The ends of the springs C may bear directly against the respective brackets E and F; but preferably there are disposed between the lower ends of the springs and the brackets E a washer c and a confining-ring c', while the upper ends of the springs rest against rings c3, between which and the brackets F are disposed rubber or other cushioning rings c4.

The springs D between the upper axle B and the body H of the vehicle are preferably elliptic or C sprin s. In the arrangement shown the springs I) pass throu h openings B in the axle B and may be fixed in osition in any convenient manner. The en s of the springs D are connected to the vehicle-frame. A preferred method of connecting the ends of the s rings D to the vehicle is shown in Figs. 1 an( 2. The rear ends of the springs D are connected by links d to the ends 'of a spring D, which extends across the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 2, and is connected to a bracket d thereon at its center. The forward ends of the springs D are connected by ,links d3 to a bracket h on the vehicle-frame', but any other appropriate method of connectin the sprin s D to the vehicle may be employe. Tie-ro s and guides are provided to take the side strain or to prevent endwise movement of the axles, and a convenient arrangement of this will now be described.

At one or both sides of the suspension are provided guides or horn-plates K, which are rigidly fixed to the vehicle-frame at their upper ends and against which bear arms L, secured to the brackets E. To reduce friction, the arms L are provided with rounded bearing-surfaces L', which come in contact with the rods K. 'Ihese rods or bars K are strengthened b adjustable tie-rods J, which extend across beneath the vehicle and are pivotally connected at their lower ends to lugs k on the bars K and at their upper ends are similarly connected to lugs h on the vehicle-frame. Thus any tendency of the axles A and B to move endwise is avoided and the parts of the suspension kept in position.

The end strain is conveniently taken by radius-rods, which may be attached to either or both axles at each side of the vehicle. the exam le illustrated the road-wheels M are inten ed to be driven by spur-gearing that is to say, an internally-toothed ring is attached to the road-wheels and adapted to gear with corresponding toothed wheels N, carried by a shaft N', which may be the difl` erential shaft.

At or near each side of the vehicle radiusrods O are connected to the lower side of the brackets E and also support the shaft N', carryinglthe drivin gear-wheels N, the other ends of the rods O eing pivotally secured to the vehicle.

The road-wheels may be driven by other forms of mechanism, and the radius-rods may be otherwise connected than as above described.

What I' claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with a wheel-supportin cross-axle, of a second cross-axle, resilient odies between the two axles, and resilient bodies between the second axle and the vehicle.

2. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with a wheel-supportin cross-axle, of. a second cross-axle located etween the wheel-carrying axle and the vehicle, resilient bodies between the two axles andresilient bodies between the second axle and the vehicle,f.or the purpose set forth.

3. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with a wheel-supporting cross-axle, of a V second cross-axle, springs between the two axles, and s rings between the second axle and the vehic e.

4. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with a wheel-supporting cross-axle, of a second axle located between the wheel-carrying axle and the vehicle, springs between the two axles, and springs between the second axle and the vehicle and so constructed that they do not synchronize in their movements with the springs between the two axles, for the purposey set forth.

5. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with the road-wheels, of a cross-axle supporting the wheels, a second cross-axle, springs between the two axles. and springs connecting the 'second axle and the vehicle.

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6. ln a mounting or suspension for vehiclewbecls, the combination with the roadwheels, of a cross-axle supporting the wheels, a sccond cross-axle, springs between the two axles, and springs connecting the second axle and the vehicle and so constructed as to bc nonsy'nchronous in their movements with the sprin s between the two axles.

7. n a mounting or suspension for vehicle-l wheels, the comb in ation with the road-wheels, of a cross-axle supporting the wheels, a seeond cross-axle located between the wheelcarryingh axle and the vehicle, springs between t e two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends of the springs, brackets on the upper axle receiving the upper ends of the springs, and springs between the upper axle and the vehicle.

8. In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with the roadewlieels, of a cross-axle supporting the wheels, a second cross-axle located between the wheelcarrying axle and the vehicle, springs between the two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends of the springs, brackets on the upper axle receiving the upper ends of the springs, and springs between the upper axle and the vehicle and so con! structed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles,

9, In a mounting or suspension for vehiclewheels, the combination with a crossaxle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-supporting axle, of coil-springs located between the two axles near their ends, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends ol the coil-springs, brackets on the upper axle receiving the upper ends of the springs, and elli tic springs connecting the upper axle wit i the vehicle.

10. ln a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a crossaxle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-support= ing axle, of coil-springs located between the two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends of the coil-springs, brackets on the upper axle receiving the upper ends of the springs, and elliptic sprin s connecting the upper axle with the vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles.

11. In a mounting or suspension for vehiing one end of the elliptic spril'lgs to the vehicle, a cross-spring at the other end of the elliptic springs, links connecting the ends of the cross-spring to the elliptic springs, and means connecting thc cross-spring to the veliicle.

l2. ln a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a cross-axle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-carrying axle, of coil-s rings disposed between the two axles, brac ets on the lower axle for su porting the lower ends of the springs, brac ets on the upper axle for receiving the upper ends of the springs, elliptic s rings between the upper axle and the vehic e, and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, links connecting one end ofthe elliptic springs to the vehicle, a cross-spring at the other end of the elliptic springs,links connecting the ends of the cross-spring to the elliptic springs, and means connecting the crossspring to the vehicle.

13. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a cross-axle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-carrying axle, of coil-s rings between the two axles, brackets on t 1e lower axle supporting the lower ends of the coil-springs, brackets on the up er axle receiving the upper ends of the co1 -springs, guide-rods connecting the two brackets, and elli tic springs connecting the upper axle with t e vehicle.

i4. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a cross-axle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-carrying axle, of coil-s rings between the two axles, brackets on t e lower axle supporting the lower ends of the coil-springs, brackets on the up er axle receiving the upper ends of the coi springs, guide-rods connecting the two brackets, and elliptic springs connecting the upper axle with the vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles.

15. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a crossaxle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located between the wheel-suporting axle and the vehicle, of coil-springs etween the two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends of the coilsprings, rackets on the upper axle for receiving the upper ends of the springs, guiderods passing through the brackets on the axles, elli tic springs arranged longitudinally of the ve lcle and connecting the upper axle to the vehicle, and guides for taking the side strain of the suspension.

i6. in a mounting or suspension for vehicle-Wheels, the combination with a cross-axle IOO IOS

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for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and thc vehicle, of coil-springs between the two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends oiE the coilsprings, rackets on the u)per axle for receiving the upper ends of t 1e springs, guiderods passing through the brackets on the uper and lower axles, elliptic springs arranged ongitudinalll of the vehicle and connecting the upper ax e to the vehicle, said springs being so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, and guides for taking the side strain of the suspension.

17. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a cross-axle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located between the wheel-suporting-axle and the vehicle, of coil-springs `iietween the two axles, brackets on the lower axle sup orting the lower ends of the coilsprings, Ibrackets on the upper axle for receiving the upper ends of the springs, guiderods passing through the brackets on the axles, elli tic springs arranged longitudinally of the veliilicle and connecting the upper axle to the vehicle, guides for taking the side strain of the sus ension, and rods for taking the end strain o the suspension.

18. In a mounting or suspension for `.vehicle-wheels, the combination with a cross-axle for supporting the road-wheels, and a second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, of coil-springs etween the two axles, brackets on the lower axle supporting the lower ends of the coilsprings, rackets on the u per axle for receiving the upper ends of t e springs, guiderods passing through the brackets on the upper and lower axles, elli tic springs arranged ongitudinall of the ve icle and connecting the upper ax e to the vehicle, said springs being so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, guides for taking the side strain of the suspension, and rods for taking the end strain of the suspension.

19. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a wheelsu porting cross-axle, and a second crossax e, of s rings disposed between the two axles, brac ets on the lower axle for receiving the lower ends of the springs, brackets on the upper axle for receiving the upper ends of the sprin s, s rings connectin the upper axle to t e ve ic e, and rods for ta ing the end strain of the suspension.

20. In a mountin or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the comJination with a Wheelsupporting cross-axle and a second crossax e,'of springs disposed between the two axles, brackets pn the lower axle for receiving the lower ends of the springlabrackets on the upper axle for receiving t e upper ends of the springs, s )rings connecting the upper axle to the vehiclle and so constructed as to be non-syncl'ironous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, and rods for taking the end strain of the suspension.

2l. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-supporting axle, of upwardly-bent portions on the Vwheel-su porting axle, bearings for the wheels at t ie upper ends of the bent portions, coil-springs between the two axles, brackets on the lower axle for sup orting the lower 4ends of the springs, brac ets on the up er axle for receiving the upper ends ol' t e springs, and springs between the upper axle and the vehicle.

22. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle and a second cross-axle located above the wheel-supportin axle, of upwardly-bent portions on the wieel-supporting axle, bearings for the wheels at the upper ends of the bent portions, coil-springs between the two axles, brackets on the wheelsupporting eross-axle for supportin the lower ends of the springs, brackets on t e u per axle for receiving theupper ends of t e sprin s, and s rings between the upper axle and t e vehic e and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles.

23. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-Wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, of a second cross-axle located above the wheel-su portin axle, upwardly-bent ortions on t e whee -supporting axle, bearings for the wheels at the upper ,ends of the upwardly-bent portions, colls rings between the two axles, brackets on tiie lower axle, arms on the brackets, sockets carried by the arms to receive the lower ends of the coil-springs, brackets on the upper axle, arms on the brackets, sockets on the arms to receive the upper ends of the coilsprings, and elliptic s rings connecting the upper axle with the ve icle.

24. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, of a second cross-axle located above the wheel-su portin axle, upwardly-bent ortions on t e whee -supporting axle, bearings Jfor the wheels at the upper ends of the upwardly-bent portions, coils rings between the two axles, brackets on tlie lower axle, arms on the brackets, sockets carried by the arms to receive the lower ends of the coil-springs brackets on the upper axle, arms on the brackets, sockets on the arms to receive the upper ends of the coilsprings, and elliptic s rings connecting the u per axle with t e ve icle and so constructed as to be non-s chronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles.

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' ortions on the ends of the lower axle, and

carines for the road-wheels at the upper `ends o? the upwardly-bent portions, of cushioning-springs located between the brackets on the -upper axle and heads on the guiderods passing through the brackets.

26. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle Wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle located above the wheelsupporting axle, s rings between the two axles, brackets on Vt e lower axle, sockets on the brackets to receive the lower ends of the coil -springs springs connecting the u per axle to thc vehicle and so constructe chronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, brackets on the upl. per axle, sockets on the brackets to receive .the upper ends of the coil-springs, guide-rods passing through the brackets on the upper ,and lower axles, upwardly-bent portions on `the ends of the lower axle, and bearingsffor the road-wheels at the u per ends of the upwardly-bent portions, ol) cushionin -springs located between the brackets on t e upper axle and heads on the 'guide rods passing through the brackets.

27. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, a pair of coil-springs between the ends of the two axles and s rings connecting the upper axle to the vehic e, of horn-plates connected to the vehicle and adapted to take the side strain of the suspension, and arms connected to the suspension and bearing against the horn-plates.

28. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a. second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, a pair of coil-springs between the ends of the two axles and springs connecting the upper axle to the vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, of horn-plates connected to the vehicle and adapted to take the side strain of the suspension, and arms connected to the suspension and bearing against the horn-plates.

29. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle loas to be non-syncated between the wheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, a pair of coil-springs between the ends ofthe two axles, and s rings connecting the upper axle to the vehic e, ol' horn-plates connected to the vehicle and adapted to take the side strain of the suspension, arms connected to the suspension and bearing against the horn-plates, and tie-rods attached to the horn-plates and to the vehicle.

30. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, a pair of coil-springs between the ends ofthe two axles, and springs connecting the upper axle to the 'Vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the springs between the two axles, of horn-plates connected to the vehicle and adapted to take the side strain of the suspension, arms connected to the suspension and bearing against the horn-plates, and tie-rods attached to the horn-plates and to the vehicle.

3l. In a mounting or suspension for vehicle wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle located between the wheel-supporting axle and the Vehicle, a' pair of coil-springs between the ends of the two axles, and springs connecting the u er axle to the vehicle, of radius rods for ta ing the end strain on the suspension.

32. In a mounting or suspension 'for vehicle-wheels, the combination with a wheelsupporting cross-axle, a second cross-axle located between the wheel-sup orting axle and the 1vehicle, a pair of coil-springs between the ends of the two axles, and springs connecting the upper axle to the vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the s rings between the two axles, of radius-rods fbr taking the end strain on the sus ension.

33. n a mountin or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the com ination with the roadwheels, of a wheel-supporting cross-axle, up- Wardl -bent portions at each end of the crossaxle, earings for the wheels at the upper ends of the upwardly-bent ortions, a second cross-axle located between t ewheel-supporting axle and the vehicle, brackets at each end of the lower axle, brackets on each end ci the ulpper axle, a pair of sprin s disposed between t e two axles one on eac side of the upper axle, guide-rods passing through the'brackets on the upper and ower axles, resilient cushions between the upper ends of the springs and the brackets on the upper axle, s oulders on the guide rods, cushioningsprings disposed between the heads on the guide-rods and the brackets on the u per axle, elliptic springs located at each si e of the vehicle, means oonnectin the elliptic springs to the u per axle, lin s connecting one end of the el iptic springs to the vehicle,

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a cross-s )rin ,means for connecting the other ends of t c e iptic springs to the cross-spring, means connecting the center of the crossspring to the vehicle, means for taking the side strain on the suspension, radius-rods connected to the suspension and to the vehicle and adapted to take the end strain, a counter-shaft, rear-wheels on the counter-shaftfor rotating t 1e road-wheels, and bearings on the radiusrods for supporting the counter-shaft substantially as set forth.

34. In a mountin f or suspension for vehicle-wheels, the com ination with the roadwheels, of a wheel-supporting cross-axle, upwardly-bent portions at each end of the crossaxle, bearings for the wheels at the upper ends of the upwardly-bent portions, a second cross-axle located between the wheelsupport ing axle and the vehicle, brackets at each end of the lower axle, brackets on each end of the upper axle, a pair of sprin s disposed between the two axles, one on eacgh side of the upper axle, guide-rods passing through the brackets on the axles, resilient cushions between the upper ends of the s rin s and the brackets on the upper axle, sffoul ers on the guiderods, cushioning-springs disposed between I the shoulders on the guide-rods and the brackets on the upper axle, elliptic springs located at each side of the vehicle and so constructed as to be non-synchronous in their movements with the sprin s between the two axles, means connecting t e elliptic springs to the upper axle, links connectin one end of the elliptic springs to the vehic e, a cross spring and means for connecting the other ends of the elliptic springs to the cross-spring, means connecting the center of the crossspring to the vehicle, means for taking the side strain on the suspension, radius-rods ennnected to the suspension and to the vehicle and adapted to take the end strain, a counter-shaft, ear-wheels on the counter-shaft for rotating t e road-Wheels, and bearings on the radius-rods for supporting the counter-shaft, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHAS. WM. FULTON.

Witnesses CLA UDE GILLIEs, ROBERT THOMSON. 

